Review of THE LIAR’S TREASURE by Connie Mann and Q and A with the Author

On March 9, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781496487445

Publisher:Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date:03/10/2026

Series:A Speranza Team Novel , #2

Pages:368

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries—old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.

To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe—trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.

Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.

My Thoughts

This intriguing and captivating story took me on a delightfully wild ride as the Speranza Society is seeking a long-lost treasure, fighting off the bad guys repeatedly and trying to protect endangered family members, too. They do all this as they travel from one exotic location to another, use their Speranza sources and call on their computer guru Picasso each time the need arises. This is like a mixture of Indiana Jones meets a group of female James Bond-types, but without the steamy scenes or the cocktails. With a firm foundation of faith and a fast pace that kept me on the edge of my seat, this novel was an amazingly original story. It even included a little romance along with the sword fights, rappelling, rescuing and figuring out clues. My favorite character was Gran, a feisty Speranza Society member who is ready for the challenge of taking care of her granddaughter Cass while her daughter Camille goes to seek the treasure. There is even a swashbuckling hero who also wants the treasure, but he may want Camille in his life even more than the riches. As I said, there’s romance brewing along with the danger and plenty of engaging dialogue between the characters as they risk their lives for an unidentified treasure. The story is mesmerizing, the characters are relatable and dynamic and the entire novel was a pleasure to read. If I could give it more than five stars, I would since I don’t remember the last time I raced so quickly through a book just to find out how it would end. Where this book is concerned, sleep is highly overrated!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG for Intense Suspense

About the Author

Connie Mann loves taking readers on heart-pounding, suspense-filled adventures featuring strong, determined women who fight for what they believe – and for those they love. She is the author of the Speranza Team novels, the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, the Safe Harbor series, and several stand-alone titles. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain and gets to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is as much fun as it sounds. Visit her online at: www.conniemann.com.

Questions and Answers with the Author

What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting thing you discovered in your research? Have you traveled to the exotic locales in your Speranza series?

The Liar’s Treasure is, at its heart, a treasure hunt and I had a blast researching what items people consider “treasure” and some of the clever, creative and often downright scary devices, traps and gimmicks they’ve used to hide and protect their valuables from those who want to get their hands on them. It was great fun!

I’m delighted that I’ve been able to visit most, if not all, of the locations I used in the Speranza team series. Choosing just the right settings for my stories is important to me and being able to bring them to life for my readers is one of my favorite parts of the writing process.

When did you know that you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always been an avid reader and penned my first story in 3rdgrade, an epic tale about my hamster. After college, I wrote non-fiction; lots of marketing materials and parenting articles before I mustered up the courage to try my hand at fiction. It took years of writing and dozens of rejection letters before my first novel was published in 2009. The Liar’s Treasure is my 10thpublished novel, something I’m very excited about.

What is your writing process like? Do you know the ending when you start writing?

Every writer’s process is different, but I am a plot-first writer. The action elements of the story are what I imagine first, like a movie playing in my head. The characters become 3-dimensional and get fleshed out as I write and get to know them. I always know WHAT the ending will be, even if I don’t quite know HOW; otherwise, I can’t start writing, any more than I can get in my car without knowing where I’m going. The ending is my guide.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?

Besides writing, I’m also a USCG-licensed boat captain and get to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is great fun. Hubby and I love to travel and explore new places, especially in our RV and even more so if our travels include a visit with our two adorable grandsons.

If you could travel to any place in the world and cost was not a problem, where would you go and why?

I want to see all of it! If cost was not an issue, I would book an around-the-world trip so I could see as much as I could, experience different cultures, architecture and terrain, taste the cuisine, meet the people.

Thanks so much for the chance to be your guest and visit with your readers. I enjoyed it very much.

Purchase Links (Preorder TODAY! Releases tomorrow)

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LJtWBa

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3WKcMFS

Christian Book: https://bit.ly/4nQe7Xb

Review: The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery

On March 7, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335629708

Publisher:MIRA Books

Publication date:03/03/2026

Pages:384

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.

Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.

As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.

My Thoughts

This novel is more than a romance since it also includes some valuable life lessons and insights on what not to do if you want to have a successful relationship. It had me in stitches during the back-and-forth banter between the characters. It also included a favorite character who was not human but rather Ramon the parrot. I never knew what Ramon would do or say next, but suffice it to say that the author gave that bird some personality with a capital “P.” I think that this is one of the best books by this talented author that I have ever read, with a depth to it that drew me into the story quickly and a delightfully readable plot, switching between the main characters and their individual dilemmas. Jax is a control freak, so relationships with her are tough. That may be the reason that her closest friend seems to be Ramon, her parrot. Ryleigh is her younger sister, a teacher who doesn’t want to grow old alone so she is trying to decide whether to move or not in order to find love and start a family. The secondary characters are equally engaging, with Shawna as the fiancée of Jax’s ex-husband, a nice girl who has no idea what she is getting herself into when she accepts Harris’s proposal. I really liked the custody agreement that Jax and Harris have so that their children can stay in their home and the parents take turns living with them. Those scenes showed that divorce can be amicable if not totally agreeable. The entire book was fun to read, with appealing characters, a charming setting (who wouldn’t love a bookstore in a Victorian house) and a little tease of a mystery about the diaries that are kept in the bookstore, with some startling revelations that occur as a result of the renovation in the bookstore. This book is a slam dunk success with me, from beginning to end. I was invested in the lives of each believable character, even the ones I didn’t like much. I was absorbed by the threads of the dual storylines and loved how the author wove them together even as they seemed to be tearing apart. This book has a well-crafted and charming plot and was such an enjoyable read that I am enjoying just picking it up again and reading sections over and over, just to get another laugh from such a refreshing and warm-hearted novel.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journalsays, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. Website: Susan Mallery.com

Purchase Links

Review of LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn

On March 3, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800745387

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:Gossamer Falls , #3

Pages:368

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Running The Haven resort keeps Bronwyn Pierce busy enough without dealing with a hitman targeting her life and family members framing her for blackmail. The only person who can help is Mo Quinn, her first love and the man she hasn’t spoken to in two years. As attacks escalate and evidence mounts against her, these childhood sweethearts must break their silence and rebuild trust before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

The stunning conclusion to the outstanding Gossamer Falls series was all I could have hoped for and more! From the beginning, Mo and Bronwyn were mysterious characters, talking to everyone else and around each other. In this novel, we find out why they haven’t been speaking and a lot of the backstory behind Bronwyn’s mistrust and dislike of her own family members. Bronwyn is independent and capable, the CEO of her family’s luxurious resort, The Haven. When she thinks she is in danger, she seeks help from the Quinns, the family that her Pierce family despises and ostracizes. The Quinns offer advice, protection and more, especially when Mo, a forensic accountant, offers to check the books for her and find out if there is anything illegal going on. The plot is compelling and intricate, with lots of little must-know details that kept me engaged and guessing. I enjoyed seeing all of the characters from the previous books actively engaged in solving Bronwyn’s dilemma since this gave me snapshots of what has been happening in the lives of the others since the last novel. I thought that the action was gripping and addictive. The suspense continued to escalate as the danger got closer to Bronwyn, and the author did a magnificent job of breaking the tension at times with some laugh-out-loud banter between the characters. Under the surface of all of the mystery and suspense, there is a sparkling romance brewing, one that I was delighted to read about between such appealing characters. The suspense was addictive and the romance refreshing in this well-crafted and intriguing story. I loved every minute that I spent with the Quinns and Bronwyn and was thrilled to find out that they will be a small part of the next series as well. No fan of romantic suspense will want to miss out on this clever novel that balances action with romance in such a brilliantly captivating way!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and also purchased my own copy to keep. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean Christian Fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home in her pajamas! She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com

Purchase Links

bit.ly/4qm5Jj5 (Baker Book House)

bit.ly/4q3TqIM (Christian Book)

amzn.to/3NqLB15 (Amazon)

bit.ly/3N1VYbJ (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/4qzPy1Z (Kobo)

bit.ly/4aZcraH (Google Play Store)

bit.ly/3Ylv1SE (Target)

apple.co/3YRus35 (Apple Books)

adbl.co/4jpRbNi (Audible)

Books in the Gossamer Falls Series

With heartfelt appreciation to the author, Revell and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review. One of my top books for the year and one of my top series ever!

Review of TANGLED PAST by Mary Alford

On February 24, 2026February 24, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review, Scripture, Tangled Past by Mary Alford2 Comments

About the Book

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GG7CK55Z
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 24, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 190 pages
Book 7 of 7 ‏ : ‎ Hope Island Securities Series

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Twenty-five years after his father’s unsolved murder, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island determined to uncover the truth. His only lead is Maya Callahan—the little girl found hiding in the barn the night his father died.

Maya has no memory of that stormy night. But as fragments of her past resurface, so does danger. Someone is watching. Someone who will kill to keep the truth buried.

As Asa and Maya grow closer, the stakes turn deadly. Because remembering the past may be the only way to survive it.

My Thoughts

This is the story of unfinished business in the past and a lost memory that is surfacing. Maya was present when her mother was dragged away and she never saw her again. She was there when the sheriff was killed, Asa Dutton’s father. When Asa comes back to Hope Island to talk to Maya and try to find out information to lead him to his father’s killer, he opens up her memory in unexpected ways. I loved how the Hope Island Securities Team worked with Asa to uncover the truth and to find the killer, following clues to some surprising locations on the island. I especially enjoyed the dynamic characters of Asa and Maya who grew from questioning the past to embracing the future. This is romantic suspense at its best, with a lot of the creep factor in it and a killer who was methodical and hard to catch. The twists and revelations kept coming in this fast-paced and totally engaging book.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, X, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

To Purchase Tangled Past:

Amazon

Review of DEADLY CURRENTS by Elizabeth Goddard

On February 18, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800746162

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:02/17/2026

Series:Hidden Bay , #3

Pages:352

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the “ghost ship” Specter’s Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind—Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason—to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge—driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter’s Bounty.

But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.

My Thoughts

This novel captured me from the beginning scenes when the main character is on a boat in Hidden Bay and then almost immediately after disembarking, Cressida is attacked. The unexpected twists that began in the first chapter continued throughout the book as Cressida tries to unravel the mystery behind her father’s death while also investigating the threats she faces in Hidden Bay from unknown stalkers. The author does a masterful job of weaving a former government agent and now a local detective into the story as Braden has been surreptitiously recruited to protect Cressida while keeping his assignment a secret from her. While Cressida is busy trying to finish her father’s manuscript and doing research on a ghost ship that somehow plays into his story and his demise, Braden is also investigating and trying to figure out how all of the puzzle pieces fit together. This book is action-packed and addictive, with details that enrich the story with authenticity that immersed me deeper into the complexity of the storyline. Infused with spiritual truth as well as the lore of pirates and a sunken ship, this novel wove all of these intricate plot details into a tapestry that was intriguing and skillfully written. I honestly had difficulty putting this book down since the suspense was intense with head-spinning twists. With a multi-layered plot and the points of view of both main characters, this was a compelling story with relatable and dynamic characters as well as a unique story that kept me turning pages long into the night.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for intense suspense, Christian Fiction

About the Author

Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and two-time Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
2011 Carol Award Winner—The Camera Never Lies
2016 Carol Award Finalist—Submerged, (Mountain Cove, Love Inspired Suspense)
2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense double finalist—Buried, Backfire
2017 Daphne Finalist—Deception
2022 Daphne Finalist—Deadly Target
2022 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Winner—Deadly Target
2023 Holt Medallion finalist—Critical Alliance
2023 Christy Award Winner—Cold Light of Day
2024 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Winner—Cold Light of Day
2024 FHL Reader’s Choice Award Finalist—Shadows at Dusk
2024 Holt Medallion Finalist—Cold Light of Day

For additional information, check out the author’s website at https://elizabethgoddard.com/

Purchase Links

bit.ly/45Gerkk (Baker Book House, 40% off and free shipping)

amzn.to/3LNnTfe (AMZ)

bit.ly/4qhnXSN (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/49FFfDZ (Christian Book)

adbl.co/3YYOybR (Audible)

bit.ly/3YU8Y5X (Kobo)

bit.ly/4r4sV5O (Books-a-Million)

apple.co/4qGOE4c (Apple Books)

bit.ly/4bQZ50m (Google Play Store)

bit.ly/49HINpa (Walmart)

bit.ly/4achVhg (Target)

The Hidden Bay Series

Review of MAYBE THIS ONCE by Sophie Sullivan

On February 12, 2026February 10, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781250875877

Publisher:St. Martin’s Publishing Group

Publication date:02/10/2026

Series:Rock Bottom Love , #3

Pages:336

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, Charlotte Ashford gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is thriving. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, whom he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson have nothing in common, but they can’t fight their attraction to each other. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

My Thoughts

Charlie Ashford is hiding from a past that has kept her in the limelight for far too long. She doesn’t want to be famous like her parents; she just wants to pursue her dream of being a counselor. That’s how she ends up at a camp at the Get Lost Lodge, off the beaten track just the way she wants it, while she waits for her new job to begin. Before arriving there, she has a “meet-cute” with Grayson Keller, a man who is attractive but she is not looking to be attracted so she flees from the meeting. What she doesn’t know is that Grayson is the owner of the Get Lost Lodge and he and she have sparks together whether they welcome them or not. Deciding to try out dating and then move on with their lives, this story is a wonderful story of happenstance, events beyond one’s control and just plain romance that is so entertaining. The dynamics between the characters was spot-on realistic and it was fun to read the banter between the two reluctant lovers. I really enjoyed the entire family at the Lodge and how they chimed in their opinions and helpful advice, keeping the pace and the humor going. This book is a perfect read for those who enjoy a good love story that isn’t sappy but realistically portrayed with doubts, false starts and trust issues.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sophie Sullivan is an award winning Canadian author of many romantic comedies including TEN RULES FOR FAKING IT and HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, both of which won the Canadian Book Club Award for best romance.

Her books have been mentioned and featured in Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Culturess, EOnline!, Cosmopolitan, The Nerd Daily, Tampa Bay Reads on Fox 13, and more. She chats about all things books, romance, and writing in a variety of places including Episode 14 of Happy to Meet Cute podcast and her local radio station Star 98.3. In her books, you’ll find relatable characters, kissing scenes, heartfelt moments, found family, and anxiety rep. And probably more kissing scenes.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, buying books, or thinking about her next trip to Disneyland and wondering how long the Alice in Wonderland line-up is. She lives on the West Coast with her husband, daughters, and dogs. She wishes she lived somewhere it rained less which is when a lot of free time goes into planning those Disney trips.

If waiting for the next Sophie book is too much for you, check out her alter ego, Jody Holford who writes cozy mysteries and romances. If you want to find her online, Instagram is usually the best place. Website: Sophie Sullivan

Purchase Links

Review of Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Elijarbo

On January 27, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About This Book

Product Details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G8GVHTSD

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 2026

Pages: 125

Part of Series: Heartwarming Christmas

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief.

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband.

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality.

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.

My Thoughts

This is a cozy historical mystery that held me enthralled with the magical setting of a fictitious town in Norway in the winter. Cornelia Gran is my kind of heroine, absorbed in mysteries and looking for local mysteries to solve. When she discovers a missing resident, she throws herself wholeheartedly into solving the puzzling disappearance and in her quest for the truth, she encounters unexpected danger. The villains are ruthless characters who will stop at nothing to achieve their aims, and therein lies the fast pace and a riveting story. Cornelia’s curiosity is relatable and realistic and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her as well as her grandmother and her faithful and loving servants. While she is trying to unravel the mystery of a little yellow cottage and its missing heir, Cornelia meets a widow and her great-nephew Simon, the center of the mystery and with a fascinating backstory about keeping papers hidden from an unknown and unscrupulous man. Once Cornelia discovers that their lives have been threatened, she is even more determined to get to the bottom of who is threatening them and why. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, but I must say that the prose that described the setting and the characters read more like poetry to me, flowing masterfully from the hands of an author who demonstrates her genuine love of history as well as her talent in creating stories that are clean and entertaining. The book is hard to put down and I sighed contentedly at the perfect ending.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author (bio from Amazon)

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

For more information about Heidi and her books, check out her website at https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

To purchase her book:

Amazon

Review: Severed Ties by Taylor S. Newport

On January 24, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9798349665509

Publisher:Taylor S Newport

Publication date:01/22/2026

Pages:522

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

The silence following Tyler Reid’s last mission has him eager for the next job. So when a woman from his past shows up on his doorstep with a new task-extracting a kidnapped Indian doctor from rival mercenaries-he’s ready to move. It’s dangerous. It’s fast-moving. It’s exactly what he wants. The only problem is Alexandra Romanova is going too-the one person who sees the cracks in his armor he’s trying to hide.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova has returned to Russia, but she’s not ready to step into her father’s legacy. So she seizes the chance to delay that future. Especially when she learns who’s missing-and who’s going after him. But working alongside Tyler again tests more than her training. He’s different. More guarded. And something in him is unraveling.

From Libya to India to Morocco, the team races to find the missing doctor while avoiding the trap the enemy has set. But every step closer to the truth puts more pressure on the cracks already forming. And as the mission begins to spiral, Alex realizes the real danger may not be the enemies chasing them-but the severed ties Tyler leaves behind when he decides the mission is over.

My Thoughts

Aussie mercenary Tyler Reid returns in what may be his most dangerous assignment. Hired by Alexandra Romanova, Tyler has to free a captive doctor from another mercenary group, one which just happens to be led by Tyler’s arch-nemesis. The dynamics between the characters was nothing short of amazing and I learned a lot about Tyler’s past and his reluctance to be called a hero when all he really wants to do is die. Alex is determined to get under the hard shell he has erected all around him and succeeds at times, giving me a look at what makes Tyler tick and why he is such a daredevil. The action was non-stop in this fast-paced military thriller, with exotic settings and untrustworthy allies. This novel had a dual storyline featuring Kenna and Ben who were working in D.C. and the stories dovetailed perfectly together when Alex calls on the two of them to help out with their mission that takes a turn for the worse when a planned extraction goes very wrong. With gun battles and hand-to-hand combat described in fascinating detail and Tyler and Alex at the center of all of the action, this book is not to be missed. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend that readers enjoy the first two books in the series before getting into the intricacies of the cat and mouse game that Tyler and Alex play with each other as well as with their adversaries. This is a suspense thriller with a strong foundation of faith exhibited by Alex who is not ashamed of sharing what and why she believes. Gripping suspense and the engrossing story along with the crisp writing and twists make this novel an absolute five plus stars for me and one of my favorite books of the year.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian fiction, clean read with intense suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she resides in the beautiful state of Texas with her family probably writing her next novel. Find out more at Taylor S. Newport

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Dauntless Defenders Series-Other Books

Review: The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano

On January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9798400504921

Publisher:Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date:01/20/2026

Pages:368

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Meredith Hansel should be having the best week of her life. After establishing herself as a portfolio manager at a prestigious Wall Street firm, she’s in the national spotlight for the innovative funds she created. But as Meredith prepares to celebrate, the plates she’s kept spinning for years begin to crash: Her strained marriage reaches a breaking point. Her conscientious teenage daughter acts out under mysterious pressures. Someone vandalizes her home with disturbing graffiti. And Betsey, her most trusted ally at the financial firm, goes rogue, and Meredith is forced to sign a restraining order against her.

Then her worlds collide when she receives a thumb drive and a cryptic note from Betsey threatening to reveal a secret that could have devastating effects on Meredith’s family . . . unless she can figure out what Betsey wants and deliver it in time.

As Meredith begins to dig into the data, however, she begins to suspect that it’s no coincidence her life is crumbling. That maybe what’s happening to her family is connected to what’s boiling beneath the surface at her investment company. Soon Meredith realizes there’s only one way to avoid taking the fall, and it all hinges on Betsey’s true motives. Was she really threatening Meredith or trying to warn her?

My Thoughts

Meredith is a portfolio manager at an influential Wall Street firm and is celebrating her successes with her newest venture when suddenly, everything goes bonkers. There is trouble on the office, trouble at home, a marriage on the brink of failing and Meredith has no idea who to trust. Maybe no one is trustworthy in this fast-paced whodunit/family drama/thriller debut novel. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, both in the firm and in Meredith’s family, but the author does a stellar job of portraying them completely and well so that they are memorable. Meredith is on the fast track to success when she gets information from a friend and colleague that things are not as they seem. Her investigation leads her down a twisted path of deception and Wall Street finagling as well as into the arms of danger. I liked all of the characters as they are all relatable, but I think Erika, her teen daughter was my favorite. She is saucy, intelligent, honest and vulnerable and has a way of behaving just as a real teen would, with the angst along with the flippant confidence she needs to face her challenges. The mystery of who is trying to destroy Meredith’s career is fascinating and the trail to get to the solution led me through a lot of financial information that I had no idea even existed since I am not a big investor myself. Some of the trading information was way over my head, but it was interesting as it floated up there somewhere. Since it wasn’t necessary that I understand all of the wheeling and dealing in order to thoroughly enjoy the story, I just stayed immersed in the main plot instead of all of the trading details. This book is original, creative and suspense-filled as an entire family is involved in finding out the answer to whodunit and why. Breathtakingly complex and gripping, the story was expertly crafted to captivate me with exceptionally crisp writing and unexpected revelations. The novel is a totally engaging read and hooked me from beginning to end with its authentic details and its intricate plot. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books with a lot of action, drama and hard life choices.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased my own copy to support a debut author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean fiction, with suspense and impending danger, Rated PG

About the Author

Kristine Delano spent over twenty years navigating a career on Wall Street before trading her panoramic city view for her standing writer’s desk. A lifelong fiction lover, she now crafts thriller novels set in the high-stakes finance world, exploring the emotional tension of work-life balance. In pursuit of compelling stories, Kristine hosts the popular podcast We Talk Careers, where she interviews the voices of Wall Street on leadership, growth, and purpose.

She is also a board member, speaker, and strategic advisor for businesses, schools, and parachurch organizations. Her faith fuels her passion for helping women navigate their calling. Kristine’s work has been recognized in fiction-focused writing competitions and she loves to stay connected with fellow authors and readers on Instagram and LinkedIn and through her membership in writers’ groups. When she’s not writing, Kristine enjoys playing
games with friends, scuba diving, and chasing her husband and children down the snowy ski slopes of western Maine—never does she catch them, but with joy she tries. For additional information, check out: Kristine Delano .

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Review: The Fair Weather Friend by Jessie Garcia

On January 22, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781250364456

Publisher:St. Martin’s Publishing Group

Publication date: 1/20/2026

Pages: 320

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

It’s always sunny in Detroit for Faith Richards. The popular TV meteorologist, endearingly referred to as “The Fair Weather Friend” by her viewers, has the world by the tail. But one night, Faith leaves work on a dinner break and never returns. Her body is found the next morning.

The town is reeling, suspects emerge, and long-buried secrets are uncovered. While her allies rally, her list of adversaries also grows. Little does anyone know that only the deepest secrets will expose the truth.

My Thoughts

This book has everything I enjoy in a suspense book with plenty of mystery and domestic drama, too. Faith Richards is the title character, a meteorologist with a news station in Detroit and she is at the top of her game when she is first introduced. Other members of her team are jealous of how popular she is with fans, she has her own fan club and a stalker, too. When she disappears one night between shows, there is a lot of speculation about what happened to her and a host of very unhappy fans. When the medical examiner announces that she is deceased and was strangled, there mystery takes off and doesn’t let up until the very end. There are some secondary characters who seem like supporting characters but who are very important to the twists in the story. There are so many twists and a plethora of possible suspects for who killed Faith. The author does a good job of creating relatable characters for the ones we are supposed to like and an equally good job leading us to dislike others. I enjoyed the well-developed characters, the backstory of Faith and her sister Hope, and the side story of Olivia the intern. Together, these characters led me on a merry chase to figure out what was really going on and who was the real culprit in Faith’s sad tale. The conclusion was so surprising that I had to read several pages twice to make sure that I was not missing anything. This is a brilliantly written domestic suspense with all of the earmarks of bordering on a thriller. I cannot divulge any secrets because readers will have to be mislead just as I was; it certainly added to the entertainment factor of the novel. I found the book informative as well as engaging since it gave some inside scoops about what happens in a newsroom along with some great fictional conflicts. This is one of my top reads for the year and should get more than five stars for creativity and a brilliant plot.
I won a copy of this book from the publisher via a Goodreads Giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Jessie Garcia is the News Director at the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee. Her non-fiction books, “My Life with the Green and Gold: Tales from 20 Years of Sportscasting” and “Going for Wisconsin Gold: Stories of our State Olympians” won Midwest Book Awards, and her documentary “Leaps and Bounds: The Men Who Changed Track and Field” was featured in over a dozen film festivals. She also taught journalism at four universities. A native of Madison, WI, Jessie has two adult sons and resides in Milwaukee with her husband, dog and cat. For more information, check out her website at Jessie Garcia